Download Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy

Pregnancy: Iron Deficiency Anemia
What should you do at home?
• Eat a diet that includes foods high in folic
acid, such as citrus fruits, leafy green
vegetables, and cereals that have folic acid
as an ingredient.
• Eat foods rich in iron, such as red meat,
shellfish, poultry, eggs, beans, raisins,
whole-grain bread, and leafy green
vegetables.
• Talk to your doctor about any cravings for
nonfood items such as dirt, ashes, clay, or
chalk. These cravings can be a sign of iron
deficiency anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia is a lack of iron in the
red blood cells. Anemia during pregnancy is
common, because a pregnant woman needs to
make more red blood cells for the growing baby.
If you do not have enough iron stored to meet
your body's needs and the needs of your growing
baby, you may become anemic.
Anemia can make you feel weak and tired and
can make your skin pale. Anemia can cause
problems during childbirth and increase your
risk for infections after delivery. Severe anemia
is rare. But if you develop severe anemia, you
may have a greater chance of having your baby
early (preterm birth), or having a baby with a
low birth weight.
You may need to take iron pills, because what
you eat probably does not provide enough iron
for your increased needs. Also, your doctor will
probably recommend a multivitamin that has
folic acid in it. The right vitamins and a healthy
diet can raise your red blood cell count to a more
normal level.
• If your doctor recommends multivitamin,
iron, or folic acid supplements, take them as
directed. Call your doctor if you think you
are having a problem with your supplements.
If your doctor tells you to take iron pills:
• Try to take the pills on an empty stomach
about 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
But you may need to take iron with food to
avoid an upset stomach.
• Do not take antacids or drink milk or caffeine
drinks (such as coffee, tea, or cola) at the
same time or within 2 hours of the time that
you take your iron. They can keep your body
from absorbing the iron well.
• Vitamin C (from foods or supplements) helps
your body absorb iron. Try taking iron pills
with a glass of orange juice or some other
food high in vitamin C.
• Iron pills may cause stomach problems, such
as heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, constipation,
and cramps. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids,
and include fruits, vegetables, and fiber in
your diet each day.
• Do not stop taking iron pills without talking
to your doctor first. Even after you start to
feel better, it will take several months for
your body to build up a store of iron. Call
your doctor if you think you are having a
problem with your iron pills.
• If you miss a pill, do not take a double dose
of iron.
• Keep iron pills out of the reach of small
children. An overdose of iron can be very
dangerous.
When should you call for help?
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
• Your fatigue and weakness continue or get worse.
• You have nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or heartburn.
• You do not get better as expected.
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